Guide to Finding Scottsdale Lawyer

If you need legal help in Scottsdale, you might first decide to do a basic web search for Scottsdale lawyers or look in the phone book. Unfortunately, the amount of information available can be overwhelming to many people. A Scottsdale lawyer that can help you with your legal problem is just a phone call or an e-mail away, but how can you decide on the right lawyer? This guide will help you to understand the role of your Scottsdale lawyer, what kind of lawyer you might need, and how to begin the process of finding legal representation in the Scottsdale area.

Regulations on Scottsdale Lawyers

Every Scottsdale lawyer, and every lawyer in the state of Arizona, is required to pass the Arizona bar exam and become a member of the State Bar of Arizona. Because of this, all Scottsdale lawyers are bound by the same state ethics rules. These rules dictate the role that your Scottsdale lawyer can have in your legal proceedings and limit what your attorney can do.

Here are some of the rules your Scottsdale lawyer is bound by when entering into a lawyer-client relationship:

 Your Scottsdale lawyer must represent you diligently and competently.

 All Scottsdale lawyers are required to communicate clearly with clients regarding their case, their legal options, and how to get in contact with your lawyer when you need to.

 Your lawyer is required to charge only fees that are “reasonable” given the complexity of the case and the number of hours required.

 Your lawyer is not allowed to have a conflict of interest—he or she can't work for both sides in the same case.

 Your Scottsdale lawyer is required to keep your information confidential, whether you are speaking at an initial consultation or after beginning a lawyer-client relationship.

 Your lawyer is required to respect your wishes pertaining to legal decisions. While Scottsdale lawyers and other lawyers bound by the Arizona state bar's rules are allowed to advise against a course of action, the final decision rests with you. No Scottsdale lawyers can force you to settle or to go to court against your wishes.

 Your lawyer must represent you the way you wish to be represented, within the bounds of professionalism.

Do I Need A Specialist Scottsdale Lawyer?

The Arizona legal system is highly complex, and Scottsdale lawyers participate in every aspect of law. If you need a legal representative, you first need to consider what kind of lawyer you might be interested in hiring. Here are some of your options for finding specialist Scottsdale lawyers who have proven experience in a particular kind of case:

 Criminal defense Scottsdale lawyers specialize in defending people against criminal charges. If you have been charged with a crime, you need to find a criminal lawyer and not a civil one. Because criminal and civil legal codes are significantly different, most lawyers specialize in one or the other.

 Immigration lawyers work with cases involving immigrants trying to stay in or move to the United States. If you need a Scottsdale lawyer familiar with immigration to help you move a family member to Arizona or stay in the country, searching for immigration lawyers is your best bet.

 Divorce and family court can be contentious places. A Scottsdale lawyer with experience in divorce or child custody cases can guide you through the legal system so that you can focus on what is best for your family at this difficult time.

 Estate lawyers can help you write or revise your will, plan a trust, and otherwise assist in planning for your family's future.

 Personal injury and medical malpractice Scottsdale lawyers have years of experience in negotiating with insurers and arguing in front of juries to help you get money to pay your medical bills and compensate you for pain and suffering.

Can I Afford a Scottsdale Lawyer?

It's no secret that legal services can be very expensive. If you are worried about affording a Scottsdale lawyer, you have several options.

 If you have been charged with a crime in Scottsdale and cannot afford a lawyer, you will be appointed a Scottsdale lawyer called a “public defender” who will represent you at no cost to you. While public defenders can be overworked and you cannot choose your lawyer, this is a good fallback option if you cannot afford a private Scottsdale lawyer for your criminal defense.

 If your case is about discrimination or civil liberties, or if you are facing charges for a capital crime, some lawyers may be willing to take your case “pro bono” (for free). This is only an option if a Scottsdale lawyer or state/federal organization finds that representing you would be in the interests of the public good.

 Some civil cases, including medical malpractice and personal injury cases, can be taken by Scottsdale lawyers who work “on contingency.” A Scottsdale lawyer who uses contingency fees will not charge you anything up front if he or she decides to take your case. Instead, you will pay a portion of the lawsuit proceeds to your Scottsdale lawyer. If you lose the case, you owe nothing.

 For criminal cases, many criminal defense Scottsdale lawyers charge a flat fee based on the crime you are accused of. These flat fees can be negotiated up front to cover all of your legal representation throughout all phases of the trial. You can negotiate with several Scottsdale lawyers to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.

Damage Caps in the State of Arizona

Arizona lawmakers are currently debating whether Scottsdale lawyers and other lawyers in the state of Arizona should be permitted to pursue unlimited damage amounts. Currently, the state of Arizona does not limit the amount of damages you and your Scottsdale lawyer are permitted to seek in a personal injury or medical malpractice case. State laws are in place to prevent damage caps, but as of 2012, some state legislators are trying to implement caps. You should see a Scottsdale lawyer quickly if you have a personal injury claim, in order to make sure you take legal action before any caps are put in place.